February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, an annual month-long campaign, headed by the American Dental Association (ADA), which encourages dental and other health care professionals and educators to collaborate in promoting good oral health care to children and their caregivers.
This is a great reminder for adults and children alike of the importance of excellent oral health, and that the key to long term oral health is the simple but vital habits we form when we’re young.
So, here are three tips to help parents and caregivers get their kids excited about their oral health and establish healthy habits for years to come.
Make oral health self care fun
Most kids hate chores, but we know they love games. So, when there’s an important chore that needs to be done, parents can help their reluctant kids view it as a game.
This concept works well for getting kids into healthy daily habits like brushing and flossing their teeth. Check out this article from a previous National Children’s Dental Health Month for lots of great suggestions for making that happen.
Psychological encouragement
As any parent knows, sometimes encouraging our kids to do what’s best for them takes a little bit of creative psychology. This article provides three creative tips that may be just what your son or daughter needs to develop a love for brushing at an early age.
Work with your local dentist
Of course, self-care is only part of the picture. Visiting the dentist every six months for a regular examination and professional cleaning is also vital. If your child is afraid of the dentist or just doesn’t like the idea of going, February is a great time to contact the dentist to see what they have planned for the month’s activities.
Many dental offices will focus on making the office especially kid-friendly during National Children’s Dental Health Month. Look for tooth-friendly treats and special activity sheets or coloring pages for kids to take home. Some offices even dress up or decorate to make the month extra special.
You can also try planning a fun visit and tour of the office that’s not accompanied by any dental procedure. Then, the next time they go, there won’t be the fear of the unknown since they have already been to the office.
The bottom line: Establishing good oral health habits doesn’t have to be a chore. Use National Children’s Dental Health Month to get your kids excited about their smile.